Lon Brauer

Lon Brauer is American artist known for his work in figure and plein air landscape.

Born in 1955 and coming of age in the 1970's, he has roots in the abstract expressionist movement. His work is a mix of the abstract with the representational, bringing an impressionistic use of paint and materials to create images that challenge the viewer with new perspectives on the figure and landscape genre.

• Born 1955
• BFA, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 1980
• MA, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO 2006
• MFA, Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO 2007

I came out of school as a painter and had plans to make it as a painter, but truthfully I had no idea what that meant. I was a child. While scrambling for work I found a position with a major photography studio. I ultimately turned that into a career. Painting had to wait for a time.

But nothing is static and nothing stays the same. Photography changed with the advent and overwhelming acceptance of digital capture. The shooting is the same but the needs of the clients have changed drastically. The timing of the shift in the industry, however, proved to be most advantageous for me. I could paint again with serious intent.

In 1998 I pulled out the paints, spent time relearning the vocabulary of painting, and soon transitioned my career to the fine arts.

I currently live and work in Granite City, IL – just across the river from of St. Louis. Under the roof of Lon Brauer Studios, I actively engage in plein air events, art fairs, and gallery showings throughout the US and in the UK. I teach drawing and painting and exhibit in various venues and galleries. And, of course, still do photography as it comes.

We are the sum of our experiences.